]]>Audiotomhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/audiotom/513-mark-ingram-drags-defender-9-yards-score.htmlhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/512-response-nfl-com-unpopular-opinions-drew-brees-most-underrated-player-ever.html
Mon, 08 Oct 2018 07:59:14 GMTIf I'm doing a Top Ten List of GOAT Quarterbacks, these are some of the things that I give weight to in my mind when you factor where Brees places on such a list...

First, Brees had an advantage of the Irsay/Colts post-AFC loss meltdown in 2004/2005 of pass defense rules tweaks; while Brees' numbers jumped here, they went stratospheric post-rules changes...

By comparison, somebody like Marino had passing numbers that no one came closed to until the changes in pass defense brought on by the malcontent Irsay...

Second, you gotta consider game winning drives to really be one of the more defining statistics as no other stat shows a better impact by a player; these are both 4Q Comebacks and Kill-shot drives...

Now here you will find that Brees is tied with Favre for third on the list at 43, behind only Peyton Manning (54) and Dan Marino (47)...

So, as you can start to see, before you bring on the Superbowl Rings argument, Brees stacks up favorably statistically in career numbers...

Now, I've watched football intensely, following statistics, collecting cards, since I was a very young boy, this would be my Top 10 list based on what I've seen and what I know - here it is...

JP's Top 10 All-Time NFL Passers, Quarterbacks

1 - Dan Marino

He put up the the obscene numbers in a not-so-friendly era of passing; passing records are falling ever couple of years the past decade, no one touched Marino's records for over twenty years! Marino's release from snap-to-pass was the quickest ever in the NFL; a read/pass QB competition was even created at the ProBowl to better show how much better he was than his peers; with better talent, he'd easily won five Superbowls; and the only quarteback to shred, shred the '85 Bears defense, most dominant defense ever - and the first bet I ever lost...

2 - Peyton Manning

In the modern era of play-calling coordinators, this throw-back was still calling plays at the line and his defensive reads rarely failed him with the exception of Bill Belichick defenses and a bad read vs Tracy Porter; the Colts don't even have winning records without him; only one on this list to win Superbowls with two different teams; had four (4) of the top 10 QBR seasons era, only one of two QBs with multiple best QBR seasons...

3 - Drew Brees

The most prolific passer on this list, he'd be ranked higher if he'd thown more total career PaTD (even though he also owns record for most-consecutive-games-with-PaTD) and less interceptions; two more Superbowls wouldn't have hurt his cause; and, other than Manning, he's the only other QB on this list with Best QBR Top 10 seasons ever with two (2); will own Career Passing Yards, Career Passing Completions by mid-2018 season; despite five (5) 5000 PaYd seasons, no one else on list close, he's never been a League MVP...

4 - Brett Favre

Favre was the ultimate riverboat gambler who's decision-making was less than impressive; but no one played with more heart (except maybe Brees), grit, toughness, and games started/played than Favre. Knew him as a young teenager on the MS Gulf Coast where I spent my summers. My first draft man crush, friends laughed at me when I wanted the Saints to draft him in 1990; I cited things like only QB to be Auburn and Alabama in the same year and did it six weeks after having 30inches of small intestine removed post-MVA; tough, tough, tough...

5 - Tom Brady

Game Manager often gets a negative connotation as a don't-lose-the-game attachment, but it's hard to ignore Brady's success as a passer when you look at Career PaTD:Int ratio; and then there's the 5-3 SuperBowl Record - that's eight (8) Superbowl appearances; but again, he's been the beneficiary of having Bill Belichick as HC and having 13 Top 10 scoring defenses in 17 of his seasons; and while that comeback vs the Falcons was amazing, it was the Falcons...

6 - Joe Montana

The only pairing of Head Coach:Quarterback better than Payton:Brees was Walsh:Montana. The 80's 49ers were in every single game. You never counted them out (80's/90's Saints fans can attest); and no one was cooler on the big stage than Montana; and Montana was the proto-type of Bill Walsh's innovative West Coast Offense corrected the flaw of the Air Coryell offense (mentioned later) and tamed those innovatiosn back to control the time of possessions, resting the 49ers defense, winning Championships...

7 - John Elway

Used to have a lot of bias against Elway because of the way he, his Father, and agent refused the Colts and insisted playing out west in Denver. As I've gotten older, and as a Father, I can say that bias is no longer there. Elway really altered NFL history changing the careers, fortunes of many good teams, players, coaches - especially the Browns. But the Broncos rarely had divisional challengers and was exposed against better teams in the playoffs, Superbowls; finally had Superbowl success with a dominant running game to support him...

8 - Steve Young

NFL - Not For Long - is usually what happens with these dual-threat, athlete quarterbacks, but no quarterback with the dual-threat package to pass and run was more impressive than Young; would like to have seen what he could've done with Walsh his entire career; he was also pretty awesome in the USFL...

9 - Warren Moon

Even in a world flawed with bias, Warren Moon still had few that could pass his teams to victory as he had. Though he had few years in the Run and Shoot offense where his numbers soared and the team lost a lot games from wore-out defenses, even in the conventional offensive years, Moon was an exceptional passer who played on poor teams; and to the public, he was humble quarterback...

10 - Dan Fouts

As Marino was the predecessor to the Manning-Brees-Brady era, so was Fouts to the Marino-Montana-Moon era; Dan Fouts was the ultimate test pilot of the Air-Coryell offense which is where much of the modern-era forward passing game really took off. Fouts led teams ran up and down the field so much that both his teammates, as well as opposing defense, had to use IVs to keep players not only on the field, but to prevent serious dehydration. Again, a great passer who had no complementary defense...

I'd also mention that Brees and Brady are not done yet, and they'd only climb on my list; if Brees and the Saints win it all in 2018, I'd move him ahead of Manning; Brady's ranking is admittedly a tough-sell to biased folks, but he's only had rare instances in the past three years of taking the team on his shoulders the way many on this list have...
]]>jeanpierrehttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/512-response-nfl-com-unpopular-opinions-drew-brees-most-underrated-player-ever.htmlPost PreSeason Game Saints vs Jaguars Observationshttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/511-post-preseason-game-saints-vs-jaguars-observations.html
Fri, 10 Aug 2018 23:00:14 GMTSome thoughts about last night's game:

Though the RB, WR, OL, were "1's", Brees sat so I'm not real panicked by the blasť offensive performance...

...after all, the first series saw Tom Savage throwing to Garret Griffin to convert a 3rd down against the Jags "No. 1's"...

Brings me to this - Payton & Co isolate QB vs QB in with the same variables (i.e. plays, personnel) so they can get a better sense of these reserve QBs...

...and on that note, comparing the two QBs styles is night and day - Savage is a conservative Brad Johnson style while Taysom Hill was more of a, well, TBD...

...what jumped out at me was Savage played smart, threw tentatively, whereas Hill threw with more authority, made bone-headed mistakes...

...and if Payton likes to gamble in drafts, why did we not spend last year's sixth round pick on Chad Kelly from Ole Miss??? He's looked great in Denver ... :doh:

Not ready to jump on the J. Williams band wagon, as I want to see him against the 1's; but Will Clapp, now, well he looked like a man leading that charge...

Brandon Tate wasn't consistently awesome in the return game, but if he can get it past the thirty or get fifteen yards a return - he's got a job...

And where was Tommylee last night?!? Does it matter if he can't get regular season looks?

Mitchell Loewen (not Lavin, Joel Myers you ****ing twit) is an active, leave it out there player; but he got hurt again playing that style?!?

To see Patrick Robinson play with instincts, turning his head on the ball and knock away a sure touchdown was a thing of beauty - really liking his re-signing...

Demario Davis is supposed to be a smart linebacker; so I get needing a learning curve, but that was about as dumb a play on the goal line as I've seen...

Our fourth Nose Tackle, Stallworth, is better than most team's starters - seriously; Loomis should be busy next week picking up third day draft picks...

Yeah, it's early, but I'm saying it - Dan Arnold is making this roster; yeah, he needs weight, but his key block sprung Scott to the goal line...

...and as only a rookie, he's already a mismatch in the passing game and has the best hands of all our Tight Ends already...

Going back to Clapp, he had the reserve units lined up and played well even against a few 1's last night - I like his chances of making this team...

Did anyone notice that Jamerson was the next cornerback up when P.J. Williams got shaken up last night? Like Jamerson's chances on that left side?

Colton Jumper must've been real tight, because that's got to be a record for missed tackles for a Mike Nolan-coached linebacker...

In my mind either a strong safety or middle linebacker should be your best, fundamentally sound tacklers on the team - WTF is Vonn Bell doing?

Seriously, seriously, seriously think Natrell Jamerson needs to see time at strong safety - Vonn Bell is gonna cost us games this year...

David Onyemata is an absolute freaking beast; que the sound of the apologist for Rankins among the announcers - we'll see what develops...

Trey Hendrickson has an incredible motor; right now, I'd say his ceiling is easily Will Smith, and that's not too bad for a late third round pick...

Did anybody catch Alvin Kamara throw a pass block on not one, but two Jacksonville No. 1 defenders? Did you also see Payton play it safe and sit him?

CantGuardMike is the early favorite for team MVP for this team's season; that was two of the best CBs in the NFL he text-booked last night...

...if not Mike Thomas, watch for Marcus Williams - this is a hombre en fuego, mann auf einer mission, a man in the zone...

]]>jeanpierrehttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/511-post-preseason-game-saints-vs-jaguars-observations.htmlJay Bromley newest addition to the Saintshttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/joker-saint/510-jay-bromley-newest-addition-saints.html
Tue, 26 Jun 2018 14:05:34 GMTCheck out these highlights for Jay Bromley. He looks beastly.
https://youtu.be/QQ9FU2oHehICheck out these highlights for Jay Bromley. He looks beastly.

]]>joker-sainthttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/joker-saint/510-jay-bromley-newest-addition-saints.html2018 Saints Offensive Line Outlookhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/509-2018-saints-offensive-line-outlook.html
Thu, 21 Jun 2018 16:32:28 GMT*Despite the highest paid lineman of the unit missing half the season, again, the Saints return...Despite the highest paid lineman of the unit missing half the season, again, the Saints return nearly all of the league's best unit from last season...

Sans its most important reserve/swing starter in Senio Kelemete...

The loss of Kelemete cannot be understated...

While I could lament the loss of Kelemete and the heresy of arguing to trade the often unavailable Terron Armstead (aka Mr. Glass), I'll stay on point...

So without further ado, here's what we got going into training camp before some reserves are reshuffled to assess flexibility again...

But those guys need to be special in camp/pre-season to make the team because, as stated, Clapp and Bushrod have seen time at RG as well...

Finally, our best LT, currently at RT, is Ryan Ramczyk; with better draft options available, 4th round pick Rick Leonard will try to be his reserve...

Learning a whole new position will likely take a "Sean Payton Red Shirt Year" for former 6' 9" TE Nate Wozniak - which is what I expect to happen...

While it seems we could have more depth than ever along the offensive line, suspect the Saints will be leaning toward more depth at DE and DB...

Look for something like this when the Saints decide on a 53 man roster, provided everyone including Mr. Glass is relatively healthy opening game...

LT (2) 72 - Terron Armstead, 74 - Jermon Bushrod (FA 2018)

LG (2) 75 - Andrus Peat

C (2) 60 - Max Unger, 64 - Will Clapp (R7, #245)

RG (1) 67 - Larry Warford

RT (2) 71 - Ryan Ramcyzk, 73 - Rick Leonard (R4, #127)

Should Josh LeRibeus have a great camp, or Leonard and Clapp have a shaky to bad camp, he should be the next add...

The Saints will likely try to sneak John Fullington and/or Landon Turner onto the practice squad again; per previous comment, Wozniak will be red-shirted...

Fullington has been a solid reserve and teams may pick up on that; we'll see what the other kids have to offer when pre-season games arrive...
]]>jeanpierrehttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/509-2018-saints-offensive-line-outlook.htmlPlaying GM for the Saints 2018 NFL Free Agency...http://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/508-playing-gm-saints-2018-nfl-free-agency.html
Sun, 11 Mar 2018 20:34:16 GMTWell, if I'm playing GM for the Saints 2018 Free Agency season, this is who I'm looking at...

Priority Re-signs for the Saints:

UFAs

QB 09 Drew Brees - Best Passer in the game today, does he listen to his agent and sink the franchise again with a bloated salary not allowing any add'l talent? My respect for his will take a serious hit if he lets Condon **** this team again when it's so close...

FB 29 John Kuhn or 42 Zach Line - while it goes against my tendencies to see the team get younger, Kuhn, as old as he is and if he's past that injury, even at his age, with his experience, he still offers something in the lockerroom; and he was one of the top conditioned athletes going into training camp last year...

OL 65 Senio Kelemete - yeah, I know, but I Believe he's become that invaluable to our line, playing all the five spots, and with the Saints coaches, front office foolishly still trusting Terron Armstead after getting a huge contract and going J-Byrd on us; a championship team has to have at least six starters for the offensive line on their roster...

LB 56 Michael Mauti - while I wasn't a big fan of this homer signing, his play, his courage, and his attitude or infectious on this team; the team is better having him as a quality reserved and special teams gamer. Need to keep him in the black and gold...

LB 55 Jonathan Freeny - more of a fall-back plan; it'd be nice to get him in sooner this year, with OTAs and a training camp to see what he could really do; he did win a ring with the Pats...

RFAs

WR 83 Willie Snead IV - he really is one WR option pass away from being a hero right now; I'm amazed that after the crappy season he had last year how everyone wants to forget what he did previously; he's a RFA and the ability is there, you gotta bring him back...

WR 16 Brandon Coleman - he came out on fire in training camp and then wimpered down the stretch; gotta believe Payton now has major trust issues with him; his days are numbered...

CB 40 Delvin Breaux - For all he's given and shown as a gamer to play injured, you just don't let a talent like this walk as a RFA; even if the season started today, he'd likely be our nickel CB and a damn good one; give him the chance to heal up and go into OTAs and TC to compete...

Priority Free Agents To Sign:

TE Jimmy Graham - What the hell else is there out there; look with the structure of Fleener's contract, would you rather have Fleener or Graham? He's not going to carry this offense, but he can sure take some of the pressure off on third downs and in the red zone where he still has it...

NT Dontari Poe - Actually this one make me nervous; he's only 27 and the light came on late for him with the Falcons and we definitely have need at the NT spot where none of our NTs can seem to draw a double team except on the goal line or short yardage; but he does have a propensity to play to the contract showing and I'm not sure a one year deal is going to get it done; Hagan's prediction continues to haunt us for not signing Damon Harrison; we need that big 350 NT who can jump into a running lane or into a QB's face...

CB Aaron Colvin - Colvin was an excellent nickel back and he may not cost top-flight CB money to sign; added to the mix we have now; I'd put our group up against the best in the league...

CB Rashaan Melvin - he's a big cornerback who's now starting to figure it out in the league; he would allow us to match up in the slot well with his 6' 2" frame; only concern is he's only had one standout year; but if the price is right, he would also be great value like Colvin...

CB Morris Claiborne- Claiborne is a first round talent who's never been quite the hype; Saints have spend first round picks on CBs who panned out elsewhere, maybe bringing back this LSU team first mentality player, well, maybe it finally comes together as Karma returns in-kind for the Saints...

LB Tahir Whitehead - Saints fans ought to remember Willie Whitehead, well his nephew, Tahir, is another underappreciated, underrated defender who could be a huge boost to the Saints and could be had at an affordable price...

LB Nigel Bradham - KMajor and ChrisXVI have been high on this guy since our offseason began; I'd agree he definitely had a fine season, but just one; and having multiple brushes with the law is not likely a late-night phone call headache Payton is gonna want to add without already knowing the guy...

WR Eric Decker - have always thought that Decker is among the best of the No. 2 WRs out there and that last year was the year to bring him in; how amenable to a team-first contract would he be to finish out with Brees?

A few other names I've liked, but have soured...

LG Andrew Norwell - I make no secret that after being bullish on him in the draft because of his talent and calling him in the third round, I've really tired of Terron "Mr. Glass " Armstead, who's been a hot-tub darling since getting the big Mo; loved the idea of putting an All-Pro in front of Brees and kicking Peat out to LT to finish out his rookie contract and try out for a re-sign with Ramczyk also there if needed; rumor is, it's all but done he's gonna be a Giant...

LB Anthony Hitchens - versatile 4-3 LB but is likely to follow his old position coach, now a DC, with the Colts...

CB Kyle Fuller - Ryan Pace wisely put a transition tag on Fuller making him all but radioactive to go near...

DB Tyrann Mathieu - I've really liked the way he's gotten his house in order; much respect and love for this man; but we're gonna have start to re-sign out core players and his contract jumping in front of others would be a cap headache without much more bounce than Colvin, Melvin, or Claiborne could give at a lesser cap number...

DE Muhammad Wilkerson - the attitude doesn't bother me as much as some guys just get tired of losing and it comes to a head which is what I think has happened with Wilkerson; but the more I thought about it, he's always played in a 3-4 setup and I just don't see how he fits in with our group...

I'd like to go on record with two thumbs up on the Coleman Signing, versatile safety who can give you quality starts and not disrupt the progression of two young safeties - great move...
]]>jeanpierrehttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/jeanpierre/508-playing-gm-saints-2018-nfl-free-agency.htmlSaints vs Jets Game Day Threadhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/llaguardia81/507-saints-vs-jets-game-day-thread.html
Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:17:19 GMT---Quote (Originally by K Major)---
Saints are really missing a TE *threat* in this offense....

Originally Posted by K Major

Saints are really missing a TE threat in this offense.

If Josh Hill would step up.
]]>llaguardia81http://blackandgold.com/blogs/llaguardia81/507-saints-vs-jets-game-day-thread.htmlDefending A. J. Klien from the National Media Hackshttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/506-defending-j-klien-national-media-hacks.html
Sat, 16 Dec 2017 05:22:29 GMTDefending A. J. Klien from the National Media Hacks
I just finished reading some articles...

Defending A. J. Klien from the National Media Hacks

I just finished reading some articles screaming about how they were right about AJ Klien being a free agent mistake the day we signed him and paid him as a starter. Granted I was a bit surprised at the contract and believe it was the results of a bidding war. Dennis Allen wanted him big time I guess and the way the contract is written Klien wanted to be here just as bad. Here are the links

They talk about him being "hit or miss and getting lost in the flow in coverage. The problem is he does not show the awareness and sharp decision-making to complete plays."

What amazed me as I read this it left me pondering what player I have been watching. When I got to the end of the article Who Dat Dish was singing their praises about their wish list in the 2017 FA for the saints. Zach Brown was the man to sign not AJ Klien.

Who Dat Dish and Bleacher Report used PPF to justify their opinions which is acceptable

PFF has Klien graded at 36.7 and Craig Robertson is grading out a 78.4. Grading wise sure Craig is a bargain at $1.63 million a year as we all know. Klien signed a 4 year, $24 million contract. 6 million a year and these ratings do not look good at all, I agree. Craig Robertson was a steal.

Lets look at Zach Brownís numbers. Through 12 games in 2017, 117 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 passes defended. A.J. Klein? 49 tackles, 1 sack and 4 passes defended. Thatís playing nearly 100% of the defensive snaps in 10 games started for the Saints. Zach Brown is playing on a 1-year, $2.3 million deal Vs Klien 6 million a year. Once again, This does not look good at all I have to admit.

Now I could stop here and draw my conclusion. But statistics only tell you so much and I just can not be so shallow. If this is as deep as your going to go to declare a player "Close to a Bust", stop reading here. For those that want to dig more lets dive into this a bit.

Apples and Oranges my friends.

Klien is playing a 2 down 43SLB and nickle package 43MLB. Were as Brown is a 3 down 34ILB. Besides the differences in positions there is the difference in the 34 vs 43 defensive philosophy. 34 ILB are always set up to rack up the tackling stats.

Back to AJs contract statement.

The nice thing about his contract is this; 2019 and 2020 has a built in out or a good set up for extension talks. Dead money of $2 million and $1 million in 2019 and 2020 was a smart move for both parties. So basically it was a 2 year 16 million dollar deal. The saints are gambling he works out and they will get those numbers in line in 2019 if he does work out. Klien is gambling on his performance as starter for 2 years also. But he was not stupid about it.

Iíve brought this up before, but for a refresher:

Alex Okafor and Tyler Davison are both responsible for keeping the MLB and SLB clean from the strong side of the OL in the second level. This is what Klien has to work with. Craig Robertson has Cam Jordan and Sheldon Rankins to work with on the weak side. Think Craig has the better set up? I do

Then you have the CB required to turn plays back into the middle if they get to the edge. Ken Crawley is AJs man and Marshon Lattimore is Craigs man. While Ken has come along way, his run support is lacking compared to Lattimore. That does not mean you cut Ken? No, you keep on coaching him up. I will get into the "cut" comment a little bit later. I found it rather funny myself

The biggest issue AJ has to deal with is Tyler Davison. I really like Tyler as a rotational 43 DT but not as a starting 43 NT. A role he was forced into with the heart issues of Nick Fairley. He has done a fair job all in all. But he is not a double team requirement type of player offenses plan for. Neither is Rankins.That is a huge issue for LBs. Once again you do not over react cut Tyler.

The lack of a player requiring double teaming results in teams having an extra lineman and backs running around at the second level picking off players. Not only would a 43NT help keep LBs clean but it would help Rankins and Okafor. if he is resigned, to be all they can be,

He played OLB in Minnesota's 43 and ILB in San Fran 34 defense. Can he be a piece to this puzzle Dennis Allen is building? Could he be that the very least be that nickle MLB to keep AJ at SLB? Remember he is a converted SS. Hodges most impressive trait is his ability to cover. He is a sneaky type of Craig Robertson signing that goes mostly over look. I am excited about this signing and hope Dennis can put another feather in his FA steals cap.

Nowt back to the "cut" comment that made me fall out my chair LMAO and defend AJ.

Then the writer went as far as suggesting the idea of cutting AJ and taking the dead hit of $6.4 million when his cap hit is $5.4 million would be a smart move. A Negative cap savings of $1 million "wouldnít hurt badly". With about $26 million in cap space before the adjusted cap set is pretty bold. We have Drew Brees, Kenny Vaccaro, Alex Okafor and maybe Gerald Hodges to sign. Even if the adjusted cap gives the Saints an additional $10 million, I would think every million would count.

So let me get this straight. They are saying

You cut your SLB for a 34 ILB to convert into 43 MLB leaving a glaring need at SLB once again? :rofl:

Sounds like a Rob Ryan move to me.:stupid:

I do not see the logical in the move. As we learn with Stephone Anthony it is rare that player can play either as a 43MLB or a 34ILB no matter how talented they maybe.:nono2: Even Vilma failed at making the switch and that is the reason we were able to get him.

So comparing AJ to Zach Brown seems a bit self serving to make ones self look good. No matter how far I bend over and stick my head up my :moon: to see eye to eye with this view point, the logic just seems full of :bs:.

In AJs first year as a starter he was on pace to have his best year ever despite the drop in the quality of the defensive line he had with the Panthers. Now that he gets a shot finally at being a starter he is asked to be a 2 down SLB and nickle package MLB. Plug some holes first. Let AJ play one position. Then go off the handle.

AJ at SLB is what the saints are banking on not MLB. :rolleyes:
]]>hagan714http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/506-defending-j-klien-national-media-hacks.htmlThe amusing disaster of Roger Goodell and his extension.http://blackandgold.com/blogs/burningmetal/505-amusing-disaster-roger-goodell-his-extension.html
Sun, 10 Dec 2017 04:58:54 GMTHow dumb are the owners to have extended Goodell's contract? I mean, seriously? This bungled mess in Los Angeles with the lack of fan support is just another obvious sign that the NFL will collapse under his watch. Let's take a look back at his record of "accomplishments" for just a bit:

You have the witch hunts ("bountygate", "inflategate", etc.), then the incredibly inconsistent punishments for all of the various offenses (or supposed offenses), and all of the silly penalties that have been added during his tenure that seem to betray the very nature of what football is... A violent sport. You can't make a "safe" violent sport. That is a contradiction, not only in terms, but in reality. Certain rules I am on board with, such as helmet to helmet hits, but there have to be replays to show intent to injure, and touching a QB on the helmet should not be a 15 yard penalty.

Aside from all of that, Goodell consistently shows that he has no logistical common sense, nor does he understand his market. The London games are just complete nonsense that screw the home town fans, and it also puts a massive strain on teams. Then you have the idiotic idea of having Thursday games every week. Football is not a game you play on three days rest, period. And he wants to go to an 18 game schedule on top of that? But he claims to care about "safety" with all of the new rules and the whole bountygate fiasco, huh? Right...

He also wants to have a permanent team in London. How exactly would that work? You can give teams a bye week following the London trip, right now, but if you put a franchise there, what will you do then? Can you imagine the logistical nightmare that team will have traveling back and forth across the ocean, all season, while other teams get to have a normal practice schedule, and without jet lag? I can sure imagine it... But clearly Roger hasn't thought that far. That's too hard for him. I know that there are fans overseas, and some of them post here. It's no disrespect to them. It's strictly a matter of logistics and common sense for the team that would be involved.

And that brings me to this Los Angeles situation. I laughed whenever I first heard about the idea of moving one, let alone TWO teams to L.A.

Why do you suppose the Raiders AND Rams already left that city before? What would make anyone think this would be different? Just as the media does with pushing their political agendas, the NFL gave false impressions of fan interest in Los Angeles, by showing gatherings of fans holding signs, pleading to get their teams back. The NFL didn't give any comprehensive data to show just HOW MUCH that market wanted a football team. It's an over saturated market that is notorious for fair weather fans across all sports, IF they can even get those type of fans to show up.

And so here we are. Both teams are apparently doing fairly well on the field, and yet no one seems to care. The NFL wanted the big market, but they failed to learn from the past. They want to expand overseas because they think "well, golly gee, if it works here, why not try it internationally?". But they are too deaf to listen to reason when it comes to the practicality of making it work, logistically.

Then there is the massive public relations nightmare with the concussion lawsuits, which have been discussed ad nauseam, for years; and, of course, the absolute lack of leadership with the protesting matter. Caving to players, and ignoring his overall market. Despite all of this, owners STILL extended Goodell's contract. Tell me how he has earned one penny? People watch because they like football, not because Goodell "grew" anything. Fantasy football has been an enormous part of this, as well, as it makes even casual fans engage much more because of their personal stake in player statistics. Was that Roger's idea? Nope.

So not only is he not doing anything that would actually bring about growth, he is now driving fans away, from the political mess, to unfair rules/punishments, and now pushing teams into unsupportive markets, while alienating the fans that are left behind.

It is getting pretty interesting with day 2/3 picks. This draft I decided to look at some late round players that have caught my eye lately.

Round 1 - Pick 26

Ronnie Harrison SS/OLB Alabama 6011 214 4.54 #15 Jr

Harrison is an immediate plug and start prospect. He is a long and well built safety prospect.His ball-skills are great, but his coverage ability is what makes him stand out. He has plenty of experience (played in 31 of the last 33 games) going against high-level competition and playing in pressure situations. Harrison to lineup in the deep middle where heís expected to cover a specific half of the field. At times, he does move close to the line of scrimmage where he will matchup with the opponentís bigger target.His overall quickness and short-area burst also help in this area. When under control, Harrison can also be a weapon as a hitter, specializing in cleaning up the play with a stiff shoulder to stop a ball-carrier in his tracks, though risky pursuit angles and a bit grabby hands in coverage. Harrison needs to be seen as an unfinished product believe it or not. SS with FS upside skill set.

We all learned that we do not have a center grooming in the wings that can play OG as well. He ain't pretty but he has a solid all around skill set above anything we have now. Time to address this need. Over the past two seasons, he hasn't allowed a single sack while taking on excellent competition. As one can expect coming from Arkansas, Ragnow is also a tough run blocker. He is a technician who enters his senior year having made 26 straight starts. As a sophomore, Ragnow was the Razorbacks starter at right guard. He has the size to be a guard or center in the NFL. He may not make it out of round 2 and if he does we will probably need to strike quickly up the board to get him .

Hill is a bull-rushing, double-team block eating, perpetrator at the line of scrimmage. Thus I chuckled to think he will be here in the 7th as most media scouts think. But heck it is early so wrap a gift in the seventh before game 1 is played. Well the gift has been un wrapped by the media scouting darlings now. Some have him in the 3rd round already. This is about the range I would think he should come off the board. I know I promised as many new players as possible each week but I had to re post Hill because of the sudden massive jump up the media boards.

From a Bama walk-on to a starter is one thing but to start opposite of Fitz and come up as big as he has is amazing. success is his diligence. Heís a real technician, very smart and instinctive. Last season he was Bamas roving backup corner back. This year he is leading the team with nine pass breakups and three interceptions so far this season, to go along with 23 tackles (41/2 for loss), two sacks and a quarterback hurry to his credit. He is an excellent gunner to boot. Do not be surprised to see him go a higher.

Best traditional dominant blocking FB in the draft. He plays with power and a nasty attitude and finishes blocks. It is like having another offensive lineman in the backfield. A traditional FB iis a dieing position in the NFL I know but he is a short-yardage/goal line beast with solid pass catching skills out of the backfield to boot. Will he come out is the issue.

Round 6

Jaylen Dunlap CB/FS/SS Illinois 6002 190 #1 rSr

His aggression on the line and in-run support is what made me take notice. Teams seem to stay away from running the edge with Dunlap in support. I am even entertaining the idea of SS with him down the road. He has a frame to handle some bulking up. Lovie Smith trust him out on the island and believes in his range. For the most part Dunlap has been neutralizing other team's best wide receiver. His skill set at creating TOs is a big bug a boo for him. I see a solid in your face CB/S and a great special teamer while getting coached up. I can not wait for a clock to get on this kid.

He has the pure athleticism to play all over the field and has solid hands and route recognition. He was a WR in high school moved to safety and has settled in nicely at CB. Will he come out? If he is smart he will go back to school and make himself a boat load of money in 2019. If not he is a great developmental prospect.

Round 7

Deebo Samuel WR/KR South Carolina 5110 208 4.50 #1 rJr

Excellent size and speed for the slot. He sets up routes beautifully and beat corner backs with shifty hips and fast feet. Proven return man does not hurt either. He is an injury pick for 2018. He broke his fibula early in the 2017 season and should be ready to go for camp.

Heís not afraid to take a risk for a big payoff. Eighteen pass break-ups to go along with four Ints and two forced fumbles speaks for itself.. but heís not always the most disciplined in coverage. He has the looks of a solid slot CB to deal with those small quick pests in the slot. He appears to be quicker than fast.

]]>hagan714http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/504-saint-2018-draft-mock-5.htmlhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/neugey/502-quitting-while-theyre-ahead-abandoning-saints-nfl.html
Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:03:03 GMTAs you might have already read, the episode with the failed moment of silence to Officer McNeil was...As you might have already read, the episode with the failed moment of silence to Officer McNeil was the final straw for me. I'm now done with the NFL in it's entirety, including the Saints. And the more I think about it, what occurred in the Dome on October 15, 2017 was the perfect signal to me that the league has gone beyond the point of no return.

There are so many factors over the past several years that have moved me closer and closer to this tipping point. One of the big ones I will call out was the league using BCA month to drive up its own profits while hardly giving anything at all back to the cause. I have 3 cousins who are breast cancer survivors, good women who I hope my daughters will grow up to be like.

This above all is what grinds my gears. From where I sit, the NFL uses, abuses and discards human issues at their leisure, with ratings and profits consuming their entire focus. This is what I find the most appalling and to me really show the NFL's true colors. Yes, I realize the purpose of corporations is to make money but far too often lately the NFL has crossed the line and taken on an inhuman, unethical tone that is right up in the faces of their consumers and would be fatal to most other businesses, but not the NFL (not yet). The kneeling/anthem fiasco has certainly crossed over into some 'personal', 'human' territory once again for me.

On Sunday, the Saints coaches and players knew unequivocally that they would be booed loudly for their team kneeling ritual before they ever set foot in the Superdome. While they are kneeling prior to the anthem to sidestep the massive controversy, I still find their behavior irresponsible. Their focus should be warming up and getting psyched for the game, and getting the fans into the game. It's the stadium announcer and event staff's responsibility to take care of the pre-game festivities and ceremonies of recognition. The players are plainly overstepping their boundary. A boundary that is there for a reason.

It seems like the booing from the kneeling had already gotten so loud that a lot of people there had a hard time even hearing the call for a moment of silence. That is the real problem. The Saints coaches and players are out of order knowingly creating a spectacle that will cause boos and disruption. Why is there this insistence to provoke their fans, instead of engage them? The team is the root cause of this disruption and this "misunderstanding". And they are professionals, college graduates, adults, the best at what they do - it is not a reach to expect a few minutes of etiquette.

Nothing will bring back Officer McNeil. The moment of silence DOES mean something. Otherwise, why would the stadium staff bother doing it? The request for the moment of silence likely came from the mayor's office, or the NOLA PD or the sheriff's office. In any of those cases, the team MUST honor the request of those providers. Because without New Orleans there is no Saints.

What happened on Sunday signified that the special interests of the Saints coaches and players have been moved well ahead of the well-being of the community and those that serve the community at great personal risk. When you consider Hurricane Katrina and what the New Orleans community went through 12 years ago along with the Saints, that's quite a descent.

I understand what it's like to lose an immediate family member unexpectedly, and I know what it's like to tell my kids that their other parent has passed away. It is a desperate and painful experience. All that was asked for on Sunday is a short solemn recognition for those suffering and less fortunate. It is a Sunday after all.

That was the only moment of silence Officer McNeil will ever get, and it was ruined. And yet these coaches and players will continue to kneel callously week after week and get 'their' moment, putting their needs and their ceremony far ahead of those suffering in their community.

It's clear the management, the coaches and players across the country now lack the humility and responsibility necessary to don the NFL Shield. They cannot exhibit enough grace to conduct themselves accordingly for a few key minutes out of 3+ hours that is otherwise all about them. Their behavior made a simple moment of silence impossible. Years ago they lost my money, and now they no longer deserve my support or fandom.

Rest in peace Officer McNeil, your family and fellow officers have my deepest sympathies.
]]>neugeyhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/neugey/502-quitting-while-theyre-ahead-abandoning-saints-nfl.htmlSaint 2018 Draft Mock #4http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/501-saint-2018-draft-mock-4.html
Wed, 11 Oct 2017 16:53:58 GMTOk this mock draft has more to do with players I really like to fill a need for the saints and for...Ok this mock draft has more to do with players I really like to fill a need for the saints and for the first time I want to bring up FA. Disclaimer is the elephants left in the room. Drew Brees and Kenny Vaccaro are both FA and what the saints do here governs everything.

Chubb is one of those players I love. Chubb can rush the quarterback or stop the run. Not overall flashy but gets the job done no matter where you line him up. He has lined up all up and down the DL and just man handled tackles, guards and centers at will. His game reminds me of JJ Watt. He maintains is gap assignment and would rather beat up on an lineman than try to run around him. This kind of versatility through strength is missing on the DL. A 4 down DE that can move to the inside to supply pass rush on 3rd down and has skills to block kicks on 4th down.

The biggest things that Mayfield needed to improve include the consistency of his field vision and the ability to step up in the pocket. His size limits his overall abilities to actually step up and make all the throws necessary to be successful. Stop me if this is sounding vaguely familiar. Yep he reminds me of Drew in so many ways when he was at Purdue, If there was a QB in this or any other draft to sit and work on his game under Drew tutoring it is Baker. Saints need to start getting serious about a QB to groom. Clock is ticking faster and loader with each passing year. Que Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinnie

Never have enough DBs. Summers flashed impressive ball skills and play making ability with eight interceptions in 2015, then showed off his versatility in 2016 by spending time at both corner and safety. He is a smart player that still needs coaching due to jumping all around the secondary. He is well worth the pick based on his sound fundamentals, versatility and plenty of untapped upside.

Tre displays a combination of man coverage skills and range to go along with physicality in run support. He is a strong open-field tackler who can also knock your helmet off if you donít keep your head on a swivel. He is a well-rounded, smart, rangy safety with excellent length who can also provide solid special teams coverage value. His ball skills in generating INT needs work. He has a frame he is still growing into. As a nickle safety dropping into the slot on TE and bigger WR I am hard pressed to find a better 5th rounder in the past few years.

Saints need Flanker. He can catch, block and pound the rock. A do-it-all back that also plays on special teams is a huge plus.I want that 40 time double checked. But this is what a 5th round pick is all about.

Just a solid old school TE? Nothing Flashy here just a boring pick that fans will scratch their heads and asking "A blocking 'Y' tight end ?" Do they still exist in the NFL? Sure he can do all these things but while he is not a polished blocker he is a strong blocker sure. But he is a TE that flashes athleticism and good hands. He knows how to win with his size and a consistent ability to catch over the middle of the field. I think Baugh is a better TE than OSU has allowed him to be. I question the 4.84 time.

He is over shadowed by two other hyped OSU DE. This year heíll be able to show he can stand up on the edge and drop back in coverage. He is willing (and able) to move inside to defensive tackle on passing downs. His versatility alone will garner attention. He should remain under the radar and be a prime player for a Steal Title in the draft.

Shelton had a solid junior season as the starting center for Washington. As a sophomore, he showed some versatility with two starts at left guard, seven starts at right guard, and two starts at left tackle. He should add weight Versatile backup

Jalen Saunders Trade Patriots

Ike Boettger OT/TE Iowa 6046 307 5.02 #75 rSr

Injury Flyer Achilles injury. Totally an upside pick. He came to Iowa as a TE and just grew out of the position. Has experience as swing OT has shown the athletic ability this kid has. Pass blocking is solid enough to invest a pick and start coaching the kid. .With his natural athletic ability swing left to right I would not be surprised that repeating the feat at OG would not be a great reach.

One of the teams that dealt us a loss during that period was none other than our upcoming post-bye-week foe: the Detroit Lions. In that 2014 loss, the Lions came roaring back under the arm of Matthew Stafford to steal a victory against the hometown crowd.

In the final quarter, Stafford rallied the Lions by tossing two touchdowns in the final 3:38 to give Detroit a one-point victory. A 4th down penalty on Rafael Bush during the Lions' final drive was the difference between a win and a loss that Sunday afternoon.

Over the last five years, the Lions are 2-3 playing teams coming off a bye week. In 2017, they play a total of three teams coming off their bye week, as compared to New Orleans who plays zero.

An entire breakdown of the Lions bye week history can be found here:

Detroit Lions Bye Week Breakdown
]]>pinchhttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/pinch/500-saints-prepping-another-post-bye-week-battle-against-detroit.htmlAre we still on our way to a 7-9 season?http://blackandgold.com/blogs/saintsproles/499-we-still-our-way-7-9-season.html
Wed, 04 Oct 2017 02:22:43 GMT---Quote (Originally by Tobias-Reiper)---
Yes, being over .500 for the first time since like...

Originally Posted by Tobias-Reiper

Yes, being over .500 for the first time since like forever would be good.

Not so fast. That Bills - Skins - Rams stretch is looking to be murderous. Those teams are playing well, and 2 of those are on the road.

I did post that initially and then after further research (see my post on our strength of schedule for our remaining opponents), that this stretch of games might be somewhat easier, but certainly not easy anymore. Washington is tough, they came very close to beating KC last night. Buffalo probably needs more sampling before we think of them as a true 3-1 team but they are winning, so.... The Rams are for real. Goff looks outstanding and Gurley is having his breakout season.
]]>SaintSproleshttp://blackandgold.com/blogs/saintsproles/499-we-still-our-way-7-9-season.htmlSaints 2018 NFL Mock #3http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/498-saints-2018-nfl-mock-3.html
Sun, 01 Oct 2017 03:34:01 GMT*Going into week 4 Draft standings *
*11. New Orleans Saints (1-2) *
*Round 1 *
...

Going into week 4 Draft standings

11. New Orleans Saints (1-2)

Round 1

Calvin Ridley WR Alabama 6005 190 4.48

Ridley has polished routes, deceptive speed, strong hands good size, strength, elite quickness, and the ability to take nearly any play for a home run, makes Ridley the best pass catcher and play maker in the draft. Like many Alabama receivers before him, Ridley is exceptional in the open field. Given space, he can turn any play into a big gain.

Thomas is tall, athletic, and capable of shutting down opposing teamsí best wide receivers on any given day. Offenses just are not willing to test him. Thomas is exceptional in man coverage, and does not allow his receiver to gain enough separation. Excellent jump balls defender, high points extremely well. He can be beat by a very speedy receiver or peaking into the backfield a little too long. An off field altercation hurts him but this year he has not lived up to the hype. Needs some coaching

Time to make some cap space Thomas Morstead has served us well but 4.35 mill in 2018 and a dead cap hit of 700k is just tempting. It is hard to draft a punter after Russell Erxleben experience but it is time to let Morstead go and get from underneath that contract. save 4.1 million in cap space to sign Drew. With that said I have say JK is one of the few punters in college I have seen a legit weapon worth a draft pick since that Erxleben nightmare. He can win you those field position battles and has the rare skill set of pinning teams not only inside the twenty but the inside the ten to boot. Even more amazing is his ability to pin teams inside the 5. Saints nation Riots

Allen is a big-hitters and does his best work close to line. He also has the closing burst and instincts to support the run from the deep safety spot. He is an extra LB one the field playing safety. FS is a strange position for him IMO, but Penn state does not have a better option right now. Allen can fill at the line of scrimmage and take on blockers. Overly aggressive at times and it does leave him out of position. Results in missed tackles and some poor angles. In pass coverage he leaves a good bit to be desired but he has shown improvement this year. He will need time to develop his pass coverage skills I have him pegged as an in the SS for the saints in their 3 safety set

Just a solid old school TE. Nothing Flashy here just a boring pick that fans will scratch their heads and asking "A blocking 'Y' tight end ?"This is were I think media scouts are over looking him. While he is not a polished blocker he is a strong blocker sure. But he is a TE that flashes athleticism and good hands. He knows how to win with his size and a consistent ability to catch over the middle of the field. I think Baugh is a better TE than OSU has allowed him to be. I question the 4.84 time.

Samuels is a do-everything offensive weapon who has been described at various times as a TE, WR, FB or H-back. he already has 126 catches, 700 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns. 4.78? Can not wait to see some one clock this kid. He has SP Toy written all over him.

Injury Flyer Round Totally an upside pick. He came to Iowa as a TE and just grew out of the position. Has experience as swing OT has shown the atheltic ability this kid has. Pass blocking is solid enough to invest a pick and start coaching the kid. .With his natural athletic ability swing left to right I would not be surprised that repeating the feat at OG would not be a great reach.
]]>hagan714http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/498-saints-2018-nfl-mock-3.html